N.L. government funds pilot employment programs for international students

The Norwester

Published: Dec 06, 2017 at 2:41 p.m.

Updated: Dec 06, 2017 at 2:42 p.m.

Newfoundland and Labrador

ST. JOHN’S - The provincial government says a pair of new pilot employment programs will help international students and graduates become permanent residents of the province.

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Minister Al Hawkins announced more than $392,000 in funding through the Labour Market Partnerships Program for the programs on Tuesday.

They will be delivered by the Association for New Canadians and will assist international students find jobs and expand their professional networks.

“AXIS Career Services, the employment division of the Association for New Canadians has been collaborating with government, post-secondary and employers throughout the province to successfully deliver an Internship Placement Program (IPP) for the immigrant community since 2009,” Eileen Kelly-Freake, the association’s director of career services, said in a news release.

“We welcome this opportunity to support these leading-edge programs to help internationally trained workers integrate into the local labour market. Undoubtedly, international graduates and students have much to offer local employers, especially in terms of their education, work and life experiences, multilingualism, and global networks.”

The Student Internship Pilot Program will connect full-time international students at the province’s recognized post-secondary institutions with a small or medium-sized business for a 12-week internship.

Through the My First Job in Newfoundland and Labrador Pilot Program, international graduates from Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic will be paired with a small or medium-sized business for a 16-week placement.

“International students and graduates who develop professional connections are more likely to stay here, enhancing the social vibrancy of our province and supporting economic growth,” Hawkins said.

“The Association for New Canadians will be a vital partner in the delivery of these programs, as it has a proven track record of helping newcomers settle into their new lives in this province. We encourage the business community to avail of this opportunity to build our community, and to employ these skilled and talented individuals.”